Cheers eightblack,
I have just spent the last hour absorbing your latest TR Sitting outside in suburban Melbourne in 33C dusk (15% humidity). (it was over 40 in town today). I have been sipping a few local brews as well (not Fosters).
You have encapsulated the while thing about travel with status, family and the USA in a few succinct enjoyable phrases.
It's little wonder the Australian Frequent Flyer website has a thread titled "Another Eightblack Trip report".